The best medicines for TMJ pain are over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. In some extreme circumstances, a dentist may prescribe something stronger, but even then it's likely to be a prescription ibuprofen, not opioid painkiller.
Commonly known muscle relaxants include Soma, Skelaxin, Zanaflex, and Robaxin. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) blocks nerve impulses (or pain sensations) sent to the brain. Diazepam (Valium) has also been shown to relieve TMJ-related pain.
Factors That Can Trigger a Flare-up
Injury or trauma to the jaw can most certainly cause painful symptoms to begin. Other triggers that may bring on a TMJ flare-up include dehydration, vitamin D deficiency, changes in hormone levels and even poor posture that causes tension on the TMJ and other facial structures.
The standard treatment for acute TMJ dislocation is reduction of the mandible, a technique by which the dislocated jaw is pushed downward and backward into its normal position. TMJ reduction frequently takes place in emergency rooms under sedation or general anesthesia.
Generally, you can expect a TMJ flare-up to last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. In rare cases, TMJ flare-ups can last for several weeks. If your TMJ symptoms don't resolve within this timeframe, talk to your orthodontist about possible treatment options.
The best medicines for TMJ pain are over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. In some extreme circumstances, a dentist may prescribe something stronger, but even then it's likely to be a prescription ibuprofen, not opioid painkiller.
While watching yourself in a mirror, gently open and close your mouth, dropping your jaw straight up and down. Repeat for a few minutes each morning and night. Look for small improvements in the jaw's range of motion as you practice this exercise from day to day.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are commonly used to relieve the pain and inflammation in the TMJ and muscles of the jaw, face, and neck. Evidence: NSAIDs may help with acute, localized TMJ inflammation, but they might not be much better than placebo in chronic TMJ pain.
Supplementation — Magnesium is the holy grail of supplements for TMJD. I use one called Triple Calm Magnesium, a blend of three magnesiums (taurate, glycinate, malate). It's critical for relieving muscle spasms, tightness and stress.
Remember that for most people, discomfort from TMJ disorders will eventually go away on its own. Simple self-care practices are often effective in easing symptoms. If treatment is needed, it should be based on a reasonable diagnosis, be conservative and reversible, and be customized to your special needs.
Do not eat hard crusts of bread, tough meat, raw vegetables or any other food that will require prolonged chewing. Avoid using chewing gum during this period of treatment. Be sure not to protrude your jaw, as you must do when biting off a piece of thread. Do not bite any food with your front teeth.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. “TMDs” refers to the disorders, and “TMJ” refers only to the temporomandibular joint itself. People have two TMJs; one on each side of the jaw.
Massaging your jaw helps reduce muscle tightness and increase blood flow. Open your mouth and, using a circular motion, gently rub the facial muscles next to your ears. This massage targets the area where the temporomandibular joints are located. Do this several times a day, including right before getting into bed.
This involves placing the tongue lightly on the top/roof of your mouth wherever it is most comfortable while allowing the teeth to come apart, and relaxing the jaw muscles. Often putting your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth like when you softly say “n” or “no”, “never”, “nothing” is a comfortable position.
The link between stress/anxiety and jaw pain
Stress may subconsciously contribute to us clenching more frequently than usual, which creates more pressure within the jaw (or temporomandibular joints). Over time, this can lead to poor control of the muscles responsible for opening and closing the mouth.
One of the reasons that TMJ/TMD is so hard to treat is that it can be caused by many different injuries, lifestyle choices, and conditions. Unless you narrow down the cause of your TMJ/TMD, you may not get the right treatment.
If you find that you experience swelling and inflammation, cold temperatures will be more effective treatment. But if your jaw pain stems from muscle pain or stiffness, heat will be a better bet.
Mild cases of TMJ disorder may only produce a clicking or popping sound. Others may experience discomfort or tenderness in the jaw. More severe cases of TMJ can cause aching in the face, neck, shoulders, ears, and head. It may also be painful to talk, eat, or yawn.
Stiffness in your jaw. Difficulty opening or closing your mouth. Jaw popping or clicking. Headaches.
Clenching and grinding of teeth are two of the major causes of TMJ pain. However, this is not an irreversible condition, and with proper treatment, one may be able to cure TMJ pain permanently. For starters, you must stop any habits of teeth grinding or clenching, and anything that puts pressure on the joint.
While TMJ is not a life-threatening disorder, if left untreated, its symptoms can negatively affect your quality of life over time.